Ron Paul says that since 2008 he has seen more potential voters come around to his way of thinking about the economy, and that he hopes his views on foreign policy will gain similar traction in the run-up to the 2012 presidential race.

“People are now seeing the economic burden of our foreign policy – you know, the hundreds and hundreds of billions of dollars of foreign aid that is taken out of our country,” the Texas representative said Monday during a visit to his campaign office in Ankeny. “People are starting to realize that war is a drain.”

Paul was in Iowa for a quick meet-and-greet with district and county caucus co-chairmen. Campaign leaders also used the event to announce an endorsement from state Rep. Glen Massie, R-Des Moines, the first Iowa elected official to back Paul for president.

During a 10-minute news conference, Paul’s comments about withdrawing from foreign conflicts received applause from supporters waiting in the wings for a chance to shake hands with the libertarian-leaning legislator.

Four years ago, the scene may have seemed at odds with mainstream Republican politics, said Drew Ivers, Paul’s Iowa campaign chairman. But more GOP supporters are questioning America’s involvement overseas, and those people are drawn to Paul’s noninterventionist message, he said.

“Ron Paul is the only candidate who is asking the questions, asking what the repercussions are of our actions, and if it’s making us any safer – which it’s not,” Ivers said.

Paul has been a longtime opponent of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Both Democratic and Republican leaders over the past 50 years have supported foreign wars and interventions under the flawed notion that fighting battles abroad will keep Americans safe at home, Paul said.

The most recent example of the philosophy came Thursday when President Barack Obama pledged financial support for emerging North African democracies and advocated a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he said.

Paul disagrees with both measures. He said in a news release that the U.S. military is “already dangerously extended” and urged Obama to respect the sovereignty of other nations.

That message rings true with Paul Hellman, 46, of Fort Madison.

“Getting in everybody’s business around the world just creates more animosity toward the U.S. and it actually makes us more insecure,” said Hellman, who plans to caucus for Paul next year.

Previously, Paul has said his commitment to reducing the deficit and cutting government spending is his biggest asset as a presidential candidate. But the legislator said Monday that his approach to world affairs may also help him win votes in 2012.

“It’s during wartime that government grows and personal freedoms are more likely to be abused because of the excuse of the war atmosphere,” Paul said. “Four years is almost like a lifetime in how people have come around.”